Fall Frenzy

So, I know it has been a couple weeks since my last post... and I'm going to blame Philip for that.  Sorry sweetie!  We only have one laptop and the best time for me to use it is on Sunday's because he typically doesn't need it at work.  Well last Sunday that stinker took it to church, which left me computer-less and Post-less.  Due to that miss, I am going to cram a lot into this post.  We have had so much going on and I have just a couple minutes before the little man wakes up from his nap, which means no more blogging for me.

Not only have we been so incredibly busy, but we have also gone on a few trips already this fall.  It started out with a very last minute quick trip to Asheville (three hours away) to see my very good friend  Cara.  She happened to be visiting her friend Britney in Tennessee and then realized we were only a few hours a part from each other.  So, Parker and I hopped into the car and met Cara and Britney (and their to kids Eli and Keller) in a lovely town called Asheville.

We met at a park, because what else do you do with kids in a strange town?  And then we headed to a restaurant called Tupelo Honey Cafe.  Let me tell you the Biscuits were incredible!  I even took one home to share with the hubs and it was still delicious.  So were their Pumpkin Pancakes.  I do have to say that it wasn't the most relaxing of meals, and to be honest I can't even remember the meal that I ordered.  It ended up being a two hour lunch that I'm sure the people around us were hoping we would have left a little sooner than we did. Although we did attract a lot of people to tell us how cute our kids were.  Did I mention that at one table we had a 6 week old, one year old and almost two year old?

It was so nice to spend time with these lovely ladies and their kids.  It's always nice to have a conversation with an old friend.  Having been in Charlotte for a few months we have made great friends, but those deep relationships take a while to build.  It was nice to see someone that had already made a decision to be your friend no matter what, and could jump right in where we left off.  

Two days after our Asheville trip Parker and I flew to Ohio to help with and attend my cousin's wedding.  As anyone with kids knows, traveling alone with kids is always a tricky thing, but Parker handled it pretty well!  

 The wedding was in my Aunt's back yard under a tent.  It was so beautiful.  I got to help with the set up and decorating for the wedding which is one of my favorite things to be a part of.  Parker got to see cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents and great grandparents.  He of course was spoiled as usual, and I had several moments of free babysitting, so I was lovin' it too!

The wedding was incredible, and the bride, Nicole was also.  The whole Yoder gang knows how to throw a party.  In fact I owe these people a lot of wedding throwing, because they did the majority of the work setting and cleaning up at my own wedding!  So fun to hang out with family.

When Parker and I came back, not only did we have the season of fall to look forward to, but we also had a visitor coming!  Philip's mom, Cindy decided to come out for a quick trip to see us and the city of Charlotte. We get the pleasure of both Stuart and Cindy coming again next week, but we got to enjoy having Grandma here for a couple of days.  

Now, Cindy loves a good slice of pumpkin bread with some pumpkin spice creamer and coffee to enjoy on fall mornings.  So as I was walking through Trader Joe's a couple days before she got here I spotted this little treasure. 

I haven't found many things that disappoint me at Trader Joe's, and this didn't either!  All you have to add is oil, eggs and water.  I put a little brown sugar oatmeal combo on the top just because, but I'm telling you yumm-o!  Cindy was lucky there was some left by the time she got here! 

If you are ever in need of a quick fall treat, or just don't feel like making it from scratch... believe me, you won't be sorry.

Anyways, while Cindy was here we got to enjoy some of the fun fall festivities Charlotte has to offer. 

We spent a morning at the pumpkin patch and took Parker on his first hay ride.  He loved the tractor that pulled us, and for some reason thinks it says "choo choo".  He also got to pick out his very own pumpkin, and so did Philip! We picked out a special one for Camden too.  (Oh by the way, that is what we are naming this little man growing inside of me! :))

Cindy also woke up with Parker in the mornings, which meant we got to sleep in, and helped me pack for the move.  We didn't sign another lease with the apartment, and are now renting a town home. Another post on that later.  Cindy also helped me with another fun fall treat that I was practicing  for a big staff Party for Elevation.  Check out the recipe here for Apple Pie dip with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips.

 Once again, this did not disappoint!  I ended up spending an entire 12 hour day later that week making enough of this for 300 people.  Not as easy as making it for 4 to 8, but still incredibly delicious, and not too bad for you!

I told you this would be a crammed post.... Really it's 4 posts in one, but you got the condensed version this time, plus a couple fun recipes to try out. :) 

We miss you and love you.  We hope your fall has been fun. Isn't it cool to see how we find things to love and enjoy each time of the year?  I love that God gives us different seasons to find joy in the things he has created.  Happy Sunday and have a great week. 

With Love, From Charlotte.

Food Truck Friday

Last Friday night Philip, Parker and I had a fun new Charlotte adventure!  We went to what is loved and known as Food Truck Friday.  It is in the part of town called South End, which is close to Uptown. (Charlotte's creative name for their downtown)  This event is every Friday, (I don't really know if it's year round) and about 10 different food trucks from around the city come to this one location.  This provides families and groups of friends with many different delicious food options right at their fingertips!!  If you are willing to stand in line for a while, which we were!

Here are a few of the trucks in the circle waiting to serve us some yummy treats.  There was one truck that had a long line the whole night (at least an hour wait, but probably longer) and their specialty was grilled cheese.  I know what you are thinking, grilled cheese? I'm not waiting in line for that!  I agree, this very hungry pregnant lady wasn't willing to wait it out.  Had I been prepared and brought a snack, knowing that this grilled cheese was worth the wait, and had I not had an almost 2 year old to chase and entertain, then I may have toyed with the idea.  Maybe next time when I'm more prepared, apparently it's incredible!

While we waited for the rest of our group to get there,  Philip and Parker got to play with the football while I snapped a few pics of the many people waiting in line and setting up camp to eat their delicious treats.  

Once everyone arrived we all made our choices and took turns waiting in line.  Of course the ladies are in love with our little parker, and he definitely doesn't mind all the attention that he gets from both the ladies and the guys.  He was the only kid in our group there last night, and when that happens he tends to ham it up and becomes the entertainment for the night. 

This is Nikki, one of the wives of the prodigy guys in the program.  

Once we got our burgers and tots, I didn't even take the time to snap a picture for you because I was so hungry.  However, it was delicious!  I got a burger with cheese, avocado, bacon and pineapple.  Yumm...  Philip stuck with his usual cheeseburger with ketchup, he's so crazy with his food choices I just can't handle it! :)  Even so, we both were completely satisfied stuffed and happy.

Parker ended the night by schmoozing about 5 or 6 people to share their ice cream with him.  (As he does anytime we get together)  and Philip and I split a soft serve chocolate vanilla swirl.  Simplicity at it's best!

We have missed our family and friends back home, and Parker has too.  We talk about you and pray for you all the time.  One thing that I worried about in moving so far away, was that Parker would miss out on so much, and crave the attention he once had from everyone.  No one will ever replace you! But it is so nice to see how our friends here have taken us in as family.  They spoil Parker like crazy, but they also help keep him in line.  It makes a difficult transition much easier on a mamma, when you know that your kids are loved and cared for.   So, thank you for watching out for Parker and loving on him, don't worry, there's enough love and spoiling to go around :) 

We get a little extra of that this next week as we will be in Ohio for my cousins wedding.  So we get to see family!  Can't wait to see grandparents,  aunts, uncles, cousins, and of course Grandma, Papa and Uncle Isaac. Enjoy your lovely fall weekend.

With Love, From Charlotte

The Prodigy In Me

I know it has been too long since I have really sat down to update everyone on where we are in life and how the Prodigy Program is going.  But I figured now is better than never!  I have to begin by explaining in a little more detail what the Prodigy Program is all about.  However, Pastor Steven does a pretty good job here:

Why We Want You for Our Prodigy Program from Elevation Church on Vimeo.

The Prodigy Program is “a ministry apprenticeship designed by Elevation Church to give hands-on training to high-capacity leaders in a fast moving, rapidly growing, Christ-centered church environment.“  From leaving Sierra Vista, to the trip to Charlotte there was no question of whether or not we were in the right place.  God did mighty works to get us here and has provided for us while we have been here! 

On day one, as they oriented us to the program and help communicate expectations, there were six main points to focus on over the course of these 22 weeks:

1. Cancel the Audition.

We are here to seek to understand before we seek to impress.  I have taken this to heart as God has humbled me in showing me that there is so much more that God is doing and I am blessed to be involved in it on this level.

2. Learn to Fail Forward.

Through the program I have become more conscious of my weaknesses, but it isn’t my weaknesses that define me.  God has used these to show me how to depend upon Him more!

3. This isn’t a Balance, it is a Lifestyle.

How true this one is.  For so long I prioritized my life and ministry.  However I have seen that there needs to be a full integration of life and ministry.  Therefore it will be a lifestyle, and with this comes the flows of different seasons (extremely busy vs. regular busy).

4. God Called You, so don’t Start Qualifying Yourself.

It was the favor of God that got me here and it will be obedience to God that will keep me here.  I cannot depend upon my own strengths or skills to advance my position or to gain me favor.  God is calling me to be a better me in Him and He will take care of the rest!

5. Be a Student of the Culture.

This was one of the biggest changes for me.  We have such a unique culture here at Elevation, one that is contagious, but still much different than what I was used to.  Yet over the last several months it has been easy to lay aside my preferences because I have seen the impact that the singular mission has had on thousands of lives!

6. Commit to Being Developed.

This has been one of the greatest experiences, because as I look around me I see people eager to invest in me and make me a better leader.  We are reaching people far from God and they are being raised to life in Christ. 

Each one of these challenges has helped shaped me in some new ways.  It has been a challenge adapting to a new culture, but we have seen God work mightily in us and through us.  Thanks for all the prayers and support.

Here is a quick look at the guys I share my week with.  I will introduce you to them in the next blog post, but for now just enjoy their smiling faces!

With love, from Charlotte

Mommy Engle eGroup

Since Philip and I have moved here to Charlotte, we have had to learn and adapt to many things along the way.  One of the transitions I had to make was finding some mommy friends.  Back in Sierra Vista I had lots of friends, that were also moms, that I could text in the morning and know that most likely someone would be available and wanting to hang out with me and Parker at some point that day.  Here's a quick shout out to all my mommy friends back in the SV!!  I miss you and love you :)  Parker also misses you and your kids, we talk about you and pray for you regularly. 

Parker's good friend Savannah before we left for charlotte :)

However, being in a new place, I didn't have that luxury and I was getting kinda lonely.  So I started looking for a mommy eGroup. (What we call our small groups here at Elevation) Unfortunately, there weren't any groups that were in the right area or the right time for me and Parker.  I knew I couldn't make it til the next semester of groups to get into one, so I mustered up a little courage, and I decided to start one myself!  I'm not going to make any friends by sitting at home wishing I had some.  So in a period of about 3 days, I went through the process of becoming an eGroup leader. (quicker than it's usually done, but luckily my hubby knows some people and was able to pull a few strings :)  By the following Sunday I was promoting my group and recruiting members.  Kind of Really scary if you don't know anyone, but God provided about 7 incredible women to sign up!  

Two weeks ago we had our first meeting, I had 5 people in attendance.  That's actually really good, because if you know any moms, you know that we tend to miss a lot of things due to runny noses, fevers, and just plain forgetfulness! I typically blame my forgetfulness on the fact that my child took some of my brain cells, and that I haven't really slept in a couple years.  Anyways, that first week was a simple play date at an incredible park here in Charlotte.  It was so nice to be surrounded by these women, who were looking for the same thing in a group of moms.  Someone to chat to at the park, in between the chasing of our children of course, and hopefully finding someone we might be able to connect with, so that the next time we want to have a play date or have someone to pray for one of the many struggles we face as moms, that we know someone has our back. 

Our second meeting we started what I hope our group to look like from here on out.  We are going through the book The Power of a Praying Parent, by Stormie Omartian.  My mom gave it to me for Christmas and I have been wanting to dive in to it, but hadn't had a chance.  I read her other book The Power of a Praying Wife and knew that this would be a good choice.  So each week we will have read a chapter from the book and then come to the meeting prepared to pray for our children in a specific way.  I've asked the moms to bring their strollers and walking shoes.  When we get to the park we go on a walk and pray for our kids!  The first week was so refreshing to be out in the cool air, and to pray together as moms working to be prayer warriors for our kids.  After our prayer walk we meet back at the playground and release the kids to run around, while we once again chase after them to make sure they don't break a bone or steal another kids snack.  

One last thing that I've challenged these women with is to reach out to other moms that might need a group like this.  It just so happens that a group of moms from all over South Charlotte meet at this park at the exact same time on the exact same day as our group.  I don't know about you, but to me, this has "God Thing" written all over it.  Moms are desperate for friends, support and encouragement!  God placed this in our laps!  And the thing about it is that it isn't just this one situation that this is happening.  If you take a few minutes and think about your week, and who you spend time with, I guarantee that God has provided you with your "playground of mom's" to reach out to.  It may not be 20 people or even 5, Maybe it's just one person that God is calling you to invest a little extra time or a little extra effort in encouraging them.  I challenge you to make it your calling, and your mission to get to know them and allow them to get to know you and who you serve!  

Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we seek God's will, and what He has for us.  We miss you!  Here's a quick pic of the little man... Simply because he's adorable :)

With Love, From Charlotte

Raised To Life

The vision of Elevation Church is very clear. It took me about 30 minutes in the very first meeting we had here to know what it was.  Elevation Church does what it does,  "So that people far from God will be raised to life in Christ".  What has been incredible is that God lets us be a part of that!  It doesn't have to be here in Charlotte, or at TMCC in Sierra Vista, but that can be the vision for each of our lives in our day to day business.  

In the month and a half that Philip and I have been here, we have already been able to participate in a few outreach/life changing events.  The one that has hit me the hardest was the "spontaneous baptisms" we got to witness and help with.  

Philip has been placed at one of the campus' for the first half of the prodigy program.  At that campus, 2 of the other prodigy guys have been placed there with him.  The second week in, the campus pastor (Philip's mentor) told them that they would be running point on the two weekends of baptisms... Well if they only knew what that would entail!  

They were in charge of delegating and organizing all the details for two weekends in which people would make the decision to get baptized, most of them having no idea when they came to church that weekend, that they would be doing that! (hence the spontaneity of it all) Throughout this process Philip was able to work with and get to know many of the key volunteers at the campus. 

Just a really quick rundown of how the two weekends went... Philip got to the church at 1 PM on Saturday and set up different tables up to get ready for the 100 plus volunteers about to show up.  When the volunteers got there they put together individual bags for each person getting baptized with shorts, shirts, underwear, flip flops, and then a ton of extras like brushes, blow dryers, straighteners, makeup remover... the list goes on and on.  They wanted to give everyone the opportunity to throw any and every excuse out the window as to why they shouldn't/couldn't get baptized that day. Then the volunteers set up the pavilion with a rented baptismal and bleachers. They also put tents together where people could change after being baptized.  Here's a picture of my man in action, giving the volunteers instructions.

Philip and the other prodigy guys were there close to midnight making sure everything was ready for the next morning.  On Sunday Philip got there at 6:30, while Parker and I got there by 8.   The morning was filled with prepping and praying over the people who would be taking their next step through  baptism. Pastor Steven preached an incredible message that led many people to stand up out of their chairs and walk down the hall to get changed.  You can listen to it Here if you are interested and have the time.  Here are a few shots of the line of people waiting to take the plunge and be Raised to Life!

  I had the incredible opportunity to host about 12 of these people.  I walked them through the line and helped explain and answer any questions they had.

Both weekends were incredible! Parker and I left around 2:30, but Philip stuck around to closer to 5.  By the end of the 2 weekends at our campus alone 458 people were baptized, and over 3,300 people at all the campus' total made this next commitment!  They were long and exhausting days, but only God can take days like that and make you feel so refreshed and rejuvenated at the end.  If you have ever served God in any way you know what I'm talking about, and if you haven't, I'm telling you, there's nothing like it!  Go to your church and ask how you can serve. Even if it isn't a weekend of baptisms, God can use you to help change someone's life. 

I think something that God is teaching me in all of this, is that ultimately ministry isn't about me and what works in my schedule or Parker's nap/bedtime. (all you mommies out there know how hard this one is to let go of)  Or even what I feel or don't feel like doing.  It comes down to the fact that it is all about Him.  It comes down to reaching people that are far from Him so that they can be raised to life in Christ! 

Philip and I are both learning that ministry isn't a job, it is a lifestyle.  Each day we have been called to tell anyone we can about God, and the gift of grace that He so freely gives.  Keep that in mind as this weekend comes to a close and a new work week begins... Make ministry a lifestyle!

Here's a video that Elevation put together after the baptisms, check it out Here!

With Love, From Charlotte

Pink or Blue, Which Team Are You??

Well, this last week has been one of many excitements!  Not only is Parker officially potty trained, (way to go buddy!) but we also know what we are expecting in December.  

When we found out when I was pregnant with Parker, Philip and I both knew when we left the ultra sound.  We then told our friends and family by throwing a gender reveal party and had everyone take a bite into their own cupcake at the same time.  They found blue frosting in the middle to indicate that we were having a boy.  This time we decided to mix it up a little bit.  

A very sweet couple in the prodigy program (Stephanie and Skyler) offered to host a party for us!  They live in an awesome apartment in Uptown Charlotte. (Which is actually Charlotte's downtown area... don't ask me why it's called uptown, I don't understand either) The guys in the prodigy program decided they wanted to do a fantasy football league, (which Philip reluctantly agreed to, he's worried he'll get sucked in, which is why he's never done it before) and Stephanie thought this would be a good way to get together and do both the draft and gender reveal.  We thought it was a great idea, and decided to wait til the actual party to find out the gender with everyone else! 

We had the ultrasound done on Monday and got to see the beautiful profile and 3D face of the little bun.    

              

                        

Adorable, Right?

Then I found a stranger in the doctor's office to look in our sealed envelope with the baby's gender, and text our baker what we are having!  I didn't look in that envelope all week!  It started out on the kitchen counter, but then I had to hide it from myself so I didn't get tempted. I swear that thing was calling out to me to open it.  It took a lot of self control not to rip that thing open and find out, but I'm so glad we waited!

Friday night finally rolled around, we were all gathered around this adorable cake, and Stephanie had passed out buttons so everyone knew what team they were rooting for.  I was team pink, Philip was team blue.

BTW, if you are dying of suspense, you can just scroll down the page.

I won't be mad :)

                     

22 Weeks Pregnant, and Philip is supporting me as usual!

We had about 12 people around us with their camera phones pulled out, some were shooting pictures while others recorded.  Philip had a bit of a difficult time cutting the cake so I had to help him out a bit, but in the end after we finally cut a piece we found out that we are having a.....

Baby Boy!!

That's right, Parker will be getting a little playmate in December. He had no idea what was going on, other than the fact that he got to eat some delicious cake.  He couldn't figure out what everyone was looking at us for and why everyone was being so noisy.  I don't think he cared much once he got some cake though!

YUMM!

It was a great night, filled with great new friends.  The draft was drafted, the cake was eaten, and our questions were answered. I'd say it was a fun night for everyone.

With Love, From Charlotte.

Out and About

As we are getting used to the city of Charlotte, Parker and I have been trying to scope out what to do each day.  Not only is that a task in itself, but we have the rain to contend with so it has to be something inside!  Apparently this amount of rain is not normal for Charlotte at this time of year, but last week we had 4 straight days of rain, and well this desert rat isn't used to that.

Day 4 of rain...

So in order to keep our sanity we found a few gems around town to entertain the little man.  Our first stop, the library!  I'm a big fan of libraries for a few reasons: 1. They are free!  Need I say more?  2.There is always something to do. Even if a story time or activity isn't happening, at least there are books to read, puzzles to do, and computers with games.  3. It's inside.  Rain or shine it's a great way to get out of the house. 4. Despite the fact that it's a library, I don't feel like Parker has to be the perfect kid.  Desperate tired moms bring their kids here just like me, and I don't have to feel like Parker can't make noise and have fun!

While at the library I met another mom and her two daughters.  I asked her what she did with her kids on rainy days, and I got a great list from her.  Plus we both attended the Circus day at the mall the next day so I got to talk with her and ended up getting her information.  Mini rabbit trail alert! Which I then washed doing laundry later, so I have been praying that I'll see her at the library this next week.   Don't you hate when you do something like that? I mean it was the first person/friend that I made outside of church and I just washed away her number ughh, lame! Anyways....

The next day, as I said earlier, we went to the mall.  A couple times a month they have what they call family fun day, and they bring in different small acts or shows for the family.  (Also free) This one happened to be circus themed with a 45 minute comedy/interactive show for the kids.  

Parker enjoyed it, but got scared if he was too close, so I had to keep my distance.

Of course, my fall back, go to, always reliable entertainment on a rainy day is a cup o' joe and a nice stroll through the beloved Target.  I know you moms out there reading this are saying' "uh huh" and "preach it sista!".  There is nothing like pushing a cart up and down each aisle with no intention of buying a thing, (but always ending up with something) and enjoying pointing things out and talking with your kid.  I am embarrassed to say that "Target" is now a part of Parker's vocabulary, no judging!

On this particular trip to Target we got Parker his first pack of Big Boy underwear. (Cars themed)  Which he then proceeded to try on every single pair in the cart, at the store, before purchasing. More on potty training adventures to come in a later post.  Pray for me, we start Monday! 

 

We survived our first rainy week and I've now got a list of things to do!  We are loving making this home, but of course miss you all. Have a great weekend and give God the worship he deserves.  

With Love, From Charlotte